Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to soak up the last days of summer with family and friends. The James River has opportunities for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, or people just looking for a relaxing day by the water. Here are some unforgettable ways to celebrate Labor Day weekend on the James River.
🛶Paddle the James River
The James River offers paddling experiences for a range of skill levels, with everything from gentle floats to whitewater thrills. Grab a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or tube and hit the water:
- Iron Gate – A peaceful float on the Jackson River, perfect for beginners or a lazy afternoon
- The Maury River (Goshen to Lexington) – Offers Class I-II rapids with stunning mountain views
- Riveredge Park in Lynchburg– A scenic stretch of the James River with plenty of stunning views
- Pony Pasture – Urban paddling with Class I-II rapids and easy access to the James River
- Jamestown Island – Paddle past the site of the first permanent English settlement
- Newport News Park – A perfect location for kayak launches and access to quiet tributaries
🎣Fishing for Bass, Catfish, & More
The James River watershed supports a wide variety of fish from bass to catfish to trout. Whether you’re wading, bank fishing, or dropping a line from a boat, here are some of the best angling spots:
- Jackson River – Great trout fishing in cold, clear waters
- Maury River – Smallmouth bass and sunfish with a scenic mountain setting
- Twin Springs in Glasgow – Known for its smallmouth bass action and easy bank access
- James River at Buchanan – A popular stretch for smallmouth bass and wading pools
- Jamestown Beach – Cast for largemouth bass and catfish near historical landmarks
- Freedom Park – Calm tidal waters full of catfish and sunfish
🚲Hiking and Biking Along the James River
The trails along the James River watershed offer everything from steep waterfall hikes to flat, shady bike paths. Lace up your shoes or hop on your bike:
- The Sulphur Spring Trail at Natural Bridge Station – offers a peaceful hike with a gradual climb and sweeping views of the James River
- Crabtree Falls – A 3.3-mile out-and-back trail that follows the water to a gorgeous view of the cascade
- Pocahontas State Park’s Co-op Trail – Beautiful river views and shady forest stretches; perfect for hiking or mountain biking
- Forest Hill Park Trail in Richmond – An urban hike with tributary crossings and a mix of woods and open fields
- The Virginia Capital Trail – A paved 52-mile trail perfect for biking or a long stroll, with historical markers along the way
- The Greensprings Interpretive Trail – Offers a peaceful, easy loop through woods and meadows with a side of colonial history
🏕️Camping Under the Stars
For the ultimate Labor Day adventure, pitch a tent along the James and fall asleep under the stars and to the sound of moving water:
- Gala Campground in Eagle Rock – Right on the Jackson River, this spot is peaceful, quiet, and family-friendly
- James River Face Wilderness Area in Glasgow – Offers primitive camping with incredible views of the river
- James River Reeling & Rafting in Scottsville – A riverside campground with easy access for paddling and fishing
- Powhatan State Park (Riverbend Campground) in Powhatan – Tented and RV sites along the James River with hiking trails nearby
- Chickahominy Riverfront Park in Williamsburg – Full-service campground with water access and amenities
- Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry – Historic farm setting with plenty of river views and trails to check out
🏕️Camping Under the Stars
For the ultimate Labor Day adventure, pitch a tent along the James and fall asleep under the stars and to the sound of moving water:
- Gala Campground in Eagle Rock – Right on the Jackson River, this spot is peaceful, quiet, and family-friendly
- James River Face Wilderness Area in Glasgow – Offers primitive camping with incredible views of the river
- James River Reeling & Rafting in Scottsville – A riverside campground with easy access for paddling and fishing
- Powhatan State Park (Riverbend Campground) in Powhatan – Tented and RV sites along the James River with hiking trails nearby
- Chickahominy Riverfront Park in Williamsburg – Full-service campground with water access and amenities
- Chippokes Plantation State Park in Surry – Historic farm setting with plenty of river views and trails to check out
🍽️Riverside Dining, Breweries, & Farms
After a day on the water, stop for a meal or drink at one of these restaurants, breweries, wineries and farms in the James River watershed. Here are some places to consider :
- The Waterdog in Lynchburg – Craft beer and riverside seating on the James
- Amici’s Italian Bistro in Scottsville – Cozy Italian right near the river
- Elk Winery in Goochland – Wine tasting with views of the James and live music on the weekends
- Legend Brewing Co in Richmond – A Richmond staple with a river-view patio and locally brewed beer
- Bush Neck Farm in Williamsburg – Farm-to-table pizza and local produce in a rustic setting
- The Deadrise in Hampton – Fresh seafood at the mouth of the James
Final Tips for Your Labor Day Adventure
- 🗓️Book Ahead: Rentals and guided trips fill up fast on holiday weekends—don’t wait!
- ☀️Check the Weather: Late summer can be hot and humid, so it’s important to bring plenty of sun protection, water, and bug spray
- 💧Check Water Quality: Our final testing date is Labor Day weekend, so check the map before you head out to make sure conditions are good for swimming and paddling
- 🚯Leave No Trace: Clean up after yourself to keep the James River happy and healthy
However you spend the holiday weekend, plan ahead, stay safe, and help care for the places that make the James River watershed special.